The Season I Loved You Without You - Chapter 80

CHAPTER 80

A somewhat complicated ICU visit was allowed by Ji-hyuk’s legal guardian. From the beginning, Ji-hyuk had legally permitted everything regarding Han Go-yeo. A hollow laugh emerged.

Sang-moon was still uncomfortable with Go-yeo visiting Ji-hyuk. Although the media’s interest had waned, he worried about potential gossip. Nevertheless, he did it in the hope that Ji-hyuk would recover quickly, so he wouldn’t be tied down any longer. It was his way of dealing with his heavy guilt.

Since Ji-hyuk went to the ICU, Go-yeo visited almost daily if there were no special circumstances. She would just look at the unconscious Ji-hyuk and then leave. The hospital, seeing Ji-hyuk unconscious for a week, only suggested keeping an eye on him for a bit longer.

Only his secretary and Go-yeo visited him. She decided not to pity him anymore. She regretted wishing him death but resolved not to dwell on those feelings. Thus, she wished for Ji-hyuk to wake up quickly without making him feel any more remorseful.

Yun Seung-ok was in the detention center and couldn’t come. She had received a prison sentence in the first trial but was expected to be visited soon.

Although the charge of instigation was not prosecuted due to insufficient evidence upon re-investigation, the embezzlement, breach of trust, and stock manipulation within MMK International could not be denied due to internal reports. While she might appeal and possibly avoid a final prison sentence, the whole ordeal was undoubtedly a significant disgrace for her. She was not someone who could endure being the subject of such public gossip.

During the time Go-yeo was visiting Ji-hyuk in the hospital, Hee-sook, unable to bear it any longer, sought out Anna. She believed Anna could give her a clear idea of what rumors were circulating at school.

When Hee-sook contacted Anna, she readily made time and visited Hee-sook at home, considering Hee-sook’s still not fully recovered health. Over coffee, they exchanged pleasantries.

Comforted by Anna’s affable conversation, Hee-sook eventually brought up the topic she was hesitant about.

“Anna, the reason I called you today is… well…”

Anna, guessing why Hee-sook had called, felt slightly hesitant about meeting Ga-eul’s mother but agreed to come.

“Please, feel free to speak.”

Anna smiled innocently at Hee-sook.

“Well, I was so worried. How is our Ga-eul at school? He doesn’t talk much about himself. He never used to cause any trouble. Now, I find myself worrying about my grown son. Tell me what you’ve heard.”

“Ah…”

Anna hesitated, looking troubled, which made Hee-sook anxious.

“Well…”

“Anna, it’s okay. Just tell me.”

“Yes… It’s hard to say, but I’ll tell you.”

Encouraged by Hee-sook’s nod, Anna spoke.

“There’s a rumor that Ga-eul has an inappropriate relationship because of money. He is quite well-known at our university, so almost everyone has heard about it. He used to be very frugal, but suddenly, all his clothes, shoes, and bags became luxury brands. People even saw the woman at school. Sadly, people believe it’s true. They think he has a sponsor.”

Hee-sook felt dizzy hearing the confirmation of her vague suspicions. She couldn’t shake the feeling that her son was being sold for money. Clutching her trembling hands, she sighed.

As Hee-sook slightly bowed her head, Anna, oddly satisfied, sipped her tasteless mixed coffee and whispered as if sharing a secret.

“I say this out of concern. Ga-eul will deny it, but realistically, can a normal relationship exist with such a person? Moreover, that lady had several scandals recently.”

“… Yes. Thank you for coming today.”

Unable to see Anna off, Hee-sook sat at the dining table, clutching her head as a headache began. She felt she couldn’t face Ga-eul’s father, who had passed away.

‘I raised Ga-eul as if he were truly my own, but maybe that wasn’t enough.’

Hee-sook felt as if a part of her life was being denied. If she hadn’t been ill, Ga-eul wouldn’t have ended up in this situation. She believed she had driven her child into this mess.

She wondered how much Ga-eul’s father would resent her if he were watching. She felt she couldn’t argue if someone said this wouldn’t have happened if Ga-eul were her biological son.

The look in Ga-eul’s eyes at the hospital couldn’t be ignored. If they had been in that relationship since then, it was like she had paid the hospital bills with money earned by selling her son. Unknowingly, she had thanked Eun-jae for helping, making herself look foolish.

“No act of kindness is ever meaningless. I became weak-minded while I was in the hospital.”

She had to do what she could as Ga-eul’s mother.

* * *

‘Although he is unconscious, he is expected to remain stable for now.’

Go-yeo recalled the doctor’s words while watching Ga-eul in the hospital lobby. She couldn’t shake the feeling that he was overexerting himself to appear fine. Knowing that soothing him wouldn’t help, she considered other options.

Ji-hyuk had passed the critical stage, and his vitals were stable. The hospital was monitoring him 24/7, so there was no need to be overly anxious. Thus, Go-yeo decided to focus on Yoon Ga-eul, setting aside her heavy feelings about Ji-hyuk for a moment.

Go-yeo and Ga-eul headed to Jeju Island. It was a sudden decision, so there was little to pack. But Ga-eul was excited like a child on their first trip, even during the brief plane ride.

Despite the light attire, the heat enveloped them. Under the clear sky, they headed to Go-yeo’s townhouse near the beach in Jeju.

The townhouses were lined with palm trees, giving an exotic feel. The ivory stone house, simple yet luxurious, was surrounded by high walls and landscaping trees, keeping it private. The spacious garden was meticulously maintained.

A chandelier hung in the high-ceilinged hall past the wide outdoor swimming pool on the first floor. Upstairs, the master bedroom had an open side offering a view of the vast ocean from the bed.

Go-yeo took out champagne from the wine cellar in the first-floor lounge. She filled two glasses, downed one, refilled it, and glanced at Ga-eul, who was watching the pool. She gestured for him to drink, and he approached.

Their glasses clinked with a clear sound. After a sip, Ga-eul put his glass down. Go-yeo approached him slowly, lifting her loose hair.

“… Undress me.”

Though she faced away, she felt Ga-eul flinch. His hand trembled slightly as he unzipped her dress, letting it fall to the floor. Wearing only a white slip, Go-yeo turned to face Ga-eul.

She wrapped her arms around his waist, lifting his shirt. As she unbuckled his belt, she kissed him, and he matched her movements, undressing as their kiss deepened. She stood in just her black lace underwear.

When Ga-eul reached to undo her bra clasp, she looked up at him.

“Not now.”

Seeing his puzzled look, she laughed and led him through a folding door to the swimming pool.

Go-yeo entered the cool water first, perfect for the hot weather. She splashed Ga-eul playfully, who joined her in the pool, though concerned about her being in underwear instead of a swimsuit.

“I’ve never done this before either.”

Go-yeo smiled, pointing to her bra. Despite Ga-eul’s worry, she swam freely.

Ga-eul, standing at the pool’s edge, watched her move like a mermaid. Her joy was contagious, making his heart race. Emerging from the water, she pushed her wet hair back and smiled brightly.

“I must have liked swimming. It’s been a while, but it’s fun.”

“You’re good at everything, Go-yeo.”

“Probably?”

She shrugged, laughing.

“I can’t swim.”

“Just because you haven’t learned. You’ll pick it up quickly, like you did with tennis.”

Ga-eul cherished their ordinary conversation. While he enjoyed their physical closeness, he also treasured these simple moments. Under Go-yeo’s guidance, he managed to swim a bit, even though he swallowed some pool water. Their laughter echoed as they enjoyed the time together.